Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would go back in a heartbeat Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Allegheny College) - abroad from 05/17/2012 to 07/31/2014 with

American College Dublin: Irish Language & Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence and experience from the ACD study abroad program. It was my first experience living on my own and working things out for myself. The internship I had taught me so much and is still a big talking point on my resume when I go for interviews. I also gained lasting friendships and a desire to travel as much as I can in the future. The experience was so worthwhile that I recommended it my younger brother who is over in Ireland now. It was a very life-changing opportunity that I would gladly recommend to anyone interested in studying abroad and learning more about themselves and world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I participated in the internship program, but attended some classes with my friends before I started. The resources for the internship I did were great; Mary Kirk was very helpful and I enjoyed the challenge of the experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The most perfect location in the heart of the city.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Once we learned that we couldn't eat out every night and found local, cheap places, it was very easy to live cheaply, it just took a little while to adjust.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? We made a lot of family meals where someone would go buy the food and make it and then we split the cost 10 ways. It usually came to about 2 or 3 euro per person.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The cultural experience
  • The friendships made
  • Our living arrangements
* What could be improved?
  • Communication before arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I wasn't nervous leading up to it because the experience was so incredibly fun, interesting and exciting.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.